Who We Actually Are

We started helping businesses prepare for unexpected costs back in 2019. Turns out, most companies weren't tracking their financial cushions properly.

Financial planning workspace with documents and analysis tools

Started From a Real Problem

Back when I was working with mid-sized businesses around Sydney, I noticed something odd. Companies would budget carefully for expected expenses but completely wing it when surprises hit. A supplier goes bust. Equipment fails early. New compliance requirements appear overnight.

The businesses that survived these hits weren't necessarily the biggest or most profitable. They were the ones who'd built proper contingency reserves and actually knew how to use them. That observation became our entire focus.

We don't promise you'll avoid every financial surprise. That would be ridiculous. What we do is help you build systems so surprises don't become disasters.

How We Work With Clients

Our process focuses on practical analysis rather than complicated theory. Here's what that actually looks like.

Assessment Phase

We review your existing reserves, historical expenses, and industry-specific risks. Takes about two weeks depending on how organized your records are.

Strategy Development

We build a contingency framework based on your actual cash flow patterns and risk profile. No generic templates—everything matches your business reality.

Ongoing Monitoring

Quarterly reviews keep your contingency plans current as your business changes. Most clients stay with us for years because the approach adapts as they grow.

Dermot Finch, founder and financial strategist

Meet Dermot Finch

I spent twelve years doing corporate finance before starting future-wavepanel in 2019. The big revelation from those corporate years? Even sophisticated companies routinely underestimate contingency needs by 40-60%. Not because they're careless, but because traditional budgeting models don't account for compounding uncertainties.

These days I work mostly with businesses earning between M and M annually. That's the sweet spot where you're big enough to need proper contingency planning but small enough that mistakes hurt badly.

Outside work, I spend way too much time following rugby and trying to convince my partner that we need a third dog. The dogs usually win those arguments.

Financial data analysis and reporting tools

Strategic planning session and documentation

What Drives Our Work

We're honest about limitations. If your business has structural problems that contingency planning won't fix, we'll tell you straight up.
Everything we recommend gets tested against real scenarios from your industry. No theoretical frameworks that sound impressive but don't actually work.
We charge fixed project fees, not percentages of savings. Your success shouldn't depend on us maximizing billable hours.
Our clients typically see us as part of their extended finance team rather than external consultants. That relationship matters more than any single project.

Want to Discuss Your Situation?

Initial consultations take about 45 minutes. We'll review your current approach and identify potential gaps in your contingency planning.

Schedule a Consultation